The top after about 3/4rs of an hour of steady climbing - its a great piece of landscape here with the path going through a double pass, Ben Alder on the right. The trick here is to ignore this as the old path it leads too is no longer used. Camusericht Lodge is situated in an elevated and private position off the main road, with southerly views over Loch Rannoch and beyond to Glen Lyon. The route starts out easy - down Loch Ericht over and across to Culra, over the Bealach Dubh / Cumhain to Ben Alder Cottage. Not all of this is a walk, especially if your on a fat bike, so its worth it if things are reasonably dry. There are great views across Loch Rannoch towards Ben Alder. The bottom section steepens somewhat with a few pitched sections but it all goes right to the Bothy. Ben Alder and Glen Garry As a starter for ten herewith is the basic description of a 50 miler start-able from either Dalwhinnie or the west end of Loch Rannoch..... Do this clockwise and ideally start at Rannoch but it works fine from Dalwhinnie. Instead of the NTS standard 26" wheel swallowing cross drains, most of the ones on this trail are nice and narrow and can be ridden flat out with only the merest hint of un-weighting. The track runs out at the end of the loch and the marked path is another vague boggy none line. Next up is the Bealach dubh trail, then roll out alongside Loch Ericht to Dalwhinnie. The old lodge is also a top bivvy spot, I'm here on a tour north. Covering some 68000 acres stretching from Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie. The trail starts right at the bothy and its immediately good - a narrow gravel path winding up alongside the Allt Chaoil Rheide. If its been very wet, don't bother as the levels will be too high. This was my first time south to north of the Bealach dubh trail. Glaciers, we salute you. As it was we were too knackered to contemplate a big climb over a trail of unknown provenance so rode out to Ardvericke and followed the road to Newtonmore instead. The final descent was a bit more engaging and did require an iffy river crossing but its all fairly short and soon enough your back to the Lochan Earba track. Another good there and back again ride is the trail alongside Loch Ericht beyond Ben Alder Lodge. I wasn't able to check it out so be-warned, you may have to go via Culra for this route) The worst bit of the track is just after this, thereafter it climbs away from the loch and over to the Allt Cam. In about three hours time you'll be at the notch at the top of this glen looking back down to your present location. As above there is a through route option if you are willing to risk a rather drastic hike-a-bike section. It had been a bit grey up until that point but then the sun came out! Alighting at Rannoch, we will navigate a network of trails and paths through the estates of Corrour and Ben Alder to reach another train station at Dalwhinnie, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. I've not actually got many pics of this route, simply because I'm usually enjoying myself too much to take photos! Anyway your now on a long, long climb to Corrour old lodge. This was the warm up for all of the horrible storms late '15 early '16. The magnificent Ben Alder Estate is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This used to be rideable (I rode it on this day blind) but Storm Desmond in 2016 wrecked it. The path on the west side of Loch Pattack does go but its pretty overgrown. Blair Trekking Centre Set in the grounds of Atholl Castle. With Scotland’s 10th largest loch, Loch Ericht, five Munros and some of Scotland’s most pristine scenery, Ben Alder Estate’s luxury lodges are an ideal setting for truly memorable holidays. The reason I say magic relates to my skiing expeditions. Approaches are long from any direction; Corrour Station gives the nearest access from the west, whilst it is possible to approach from Loch Rannoch in the south. Its not too bad and I did once do this on a Salsa Fargo so don't be put off as its only 1.5k. From here its fairly good going down to the start of the onward route. Rannoch has excellent confirmation and is ¾ sister to Laggan and Ben Alder, who have both been very successful in the showring. The approach to the Bothy, Ben Alder Cottage involved a 14km cycle ride, from the lonely Loch Rannoch, then a few KMs hiking across a bog. Ossian Youth hostel - a very lonely place but accessible by train so quite popular. The last 2k as shown on the map is a lot rougher and not really worth it unless you want to push right through the missing bit to link up with a track that takes you round to the Lochan Earba track. Thereafter is a similarly steady but long descent down to the Allt Eigheach. Some grassy sections with exposed tree roots and … Theoretically you can avoid this burn crossing and stick to the north side of the loch but this is a very rough and little used path, so will likely be a push. Its a bit run down being none MBA but makes for a good bivvy spot if you are doing this circuit in two days. You haven't climbed Carn Dearg (Corrour) yet. After the deer fence on the left stops is the boggiest bit. Hopefully this will serve to help people get out there and enjoy the great outdoors as seen from a bike seat. Technical challenges come in the form of various burn crossings and assorted random rock features. BEN ALDER is a particularly beautiful and attractive mountain. Looking north east through the strath carrying Lochan Earba. The trail then improves and you descend down to loch Beithe where the trail improves again, finally descending back down to culra on another fab built path. Lower section of the trail. I was heading through this area on the way back to where I'd left my car from Aviemore. Around Loch Ericht. Rannoch Station is connected by road to Kinloch Rannoch. We rode out of Corrour estate and along Lochan Earba, the Ben Alder hills to our right. The summit, looking down to Loch Ossian (This was taken on a trip I did in May 2016). Carie lies around 3.5 miles west of Kinloch Rannoch on the south side of Loch Rannoch. Keep on until you join the main river Pattack track and head south up by the river. Its all pretty easy excepting the crossing of the Alllt Chamhlain. The trail dumps you on the main Lochan Earba track. The last time I tried it was sunny but a late fall of snow would have made it a schlep. So its now an easy surface which (yes) you. Below 500m we did. Its then a case of fighting your way up the bank on any likely looking line. They also get annual maintenance! I got to Culra Bothy around 7 and it was raining torrentially, hence me ignoring the closed signs and spending the night in the main room. And looking back the way you've just come. Basically you carry straight up the hillside behind the cottage (there is a path marked but no single clear line on the ground) until you top out on the Bealach Breabag at 840m. Keep straight on what is now a nice made single track. We've done most of those tracks and circuits, just the Loch Ericht shoreline and the Allt Cam tracks to get the full set. This is a top view point and should be enjoyed! Corrievarkie Lodge Bridge of Gaur Rannoch Mostly wide, firm but uneven gravel surface. It will also help me remember where I've been over the years! As well as great scenery there are some fabulous trails offering the full range of riding experiences. This is a bit overgrown in places so keep an eye on your GPS as I managed to lose it at one point and stumbled around for a bit to find it again. So be warned and take the right kit. That said incorporating it into a circuit is tricky. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes from here to the bothy so don't sweat it. From Rannoch station, he set off on the 10-mile trek to Ben Alder, at 4,000ft one of the highest mountains in the central Highlands. All the trails are on Open Street maps too. Just be sure of your river levels though! You descend a bit on a super narrow line then climb again for a short section to the Bealach Cumhann. I'm not about to bang on about safety or navigation or kit choice as per normal guides because as far as I'm concerned its up to you to sort this out. The item Rannoch Moor & Ben Alder : Loch Rannoch : the essential map for outdoor activities represents a specific, individual, material embodiment of a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Rannoch Moor & Ben Alder : Loch Rannoch : the essential map for outdoor activities represents a specific, individual, material embodiment of a Ben Alder Cottage - one of Scotlands top bothies. Despite the rain the previous evening (and a generally wet summer) it was dry and stony. On the climb into Strath Ossian, looking east. Carry on to Loch Ericht and along the west shore. For that reason I'm not going to try to post up maps or detailed route finding notes. Today it was pretty easy. At one point the argo track crosses the marked line up a steep bank. If you are up for it its well worth it as you then pick up another nice trail to Ben Alder Cottage and get to ride the best trail in the area - see below..... Of course if you are into bike rafting then this would make this route much easier. Walking here is not like walking on a city road. This was one of those fat bike 'moments' as a normal bike would have been hopelessly bogged down through this stuff whereas the fatty rolled through the lot. The track rolls out to the road and then you turn left and head east to the start of the track described in the previous section. It took me about six and a half hours of steady going to do this. Above was the most snow recorded in a generation but only a skier or mountaineer would have realised this. Dry and narrow with only the odd burn crossing to interupt progress and provide a wee technical challenge. This one has been around in various guide books for a while - it even pre-dates the path work so must have been hard going in those days. The magnificent Ben Alder Estate is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. When you get there look to the North East up the narrow glen. It was actually drier than when I passed through here in August and presented no problems for the ICT. and should be on anyone's Scottish mountain biking to do list. If packrafting you could do the shoreline path, that one then the track up and over to Coire Bachdaidh Lodge and then paddle back across the loch.Bob. Top tip - keep to the right until a short plank bridge, its dryer and smoother. You ride down by Loch Ericht on a motorway standard track, up past the posh lodge and over a low moor to Loch Pattack. I bivvied here in 2018 doing this circuit as an overnighter. So your next move is to reverse this. Follow the above route but instead of descending to the river to cross, keep along the excellent path. Supplies are available at Dalwhinnie from the petrol station and a small cafe that operates out of the old hotel. AbeBooks.com: Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder: Loch Rannoch (Explorer Maps) (9780319133620) by Ordnance Survey and a great selection of similar New, Used and … In August it was very damp and I've done it since when its been nigh on bone dry. In 2014 most people thought we had a mild and snow free winter. I had a wee diversion at the lodge to the loch shore via another fine piece of singletrack and then back tracked to follow the easy track to Dalwhinnie. Avoid the track heading up the hill heading for the Munros as you really want the one down by the river. I'm not sure who did the work across the Ben Alder estate but clearly they got a different brief from what the NTS provide. At this point I'd not much idea what I'd be in for other than what a mate had said i.e. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. With Scotland’s 10th largest loch, Loch Ericht, five Munros and some of Scotland’s most pristine scenery, Ben Alder Estate’s luxury lodges are an ideal setting for truly memorable holidays. Only do this if its been dry for a bit would be my advice. A rougher but dryer path is to the right. This is pleasantly rough after the main access track but still level and easy to the YH. The total length of this single track (Ben Alder Cottage to the double track above Pattack) is 16k, if you want more you have to go to Fisherfield..... One of the appeals of this area is the scope for short circuits, easy ride in / ride out trips (a perfect break from the drudgery of the A9 if you are heading north) but there are also a couple of classic big day rides. The main path keeps climbing until it passes below a crag at its high point of just over 750m. If you are doing this circuit as an overnighter then this is an obvious choice for a stopping point and there are plenty of good camping spots nearby if the bothy is busy. The descent to Culra Bothy seemed to go on for ever. Another section of vague path / bog lead to my third bothy of the day at Duinish. Nav is generally easy as you are mainly on well defined trails or following burns, rivers, glens and other generally noticeable features. As relative newcomers to off-road bikepacking, our aim is fairly conservative although thrillingly off-grid. Above 500m seems to be the point that you go from wet slushy crappy snow to full on mountain winter conditions. 01540 670000. You've then got 2k of bog trotting. Ben Alder Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Ben Alder is: A light covering of new snow mostly falling on Wed afternoonFreeze-thaw conditions (max 2°C on Wed afternoon, min -6°C on Tue morning)Wind will be generally light. Before this you have to cross a small burn which this day was more iffy than the Allt Cam:-. In front of you is one of many Scottish geological marvels - a wide strath at 400m altitude running pretty much bang on 90 degrees to the main Glen Garry / Drumochter Strath. One dismal November day I'd driven up from home on the way up to see friends in Aviemore. Around Ben Alder. Steep rock slabs, big steps and two annoying kissing gates are the challenge. The area is rich in natural and cultural history on top of the rather gorgeous scenery and offers a lifetime of exploration! Newtonmore Riding Centre Riding, trekking and instruction available. Yet another blog about someones biking adventures. Eventually the path coalesces out of the tussocks and climbs steeply up towards loch Leamhain. The next challenge was to cross the Allt Cam which was a shoes and socks off job. When you pass back into Ben Alder Estate the surface improves dramatically and then its an easy pedal back out to Dalwhinnie. They are short though. Ask anyone about Ben Alder and bike riding and they will exude much enthusiasm about the single track from Ben Alder Cottage to Culra Bothy. Hopefully this will serve to help people get out there and enjoy the great outdoors as seen from a bike seat. Over the last few years I’ve come to love this area. The views are fab and there is plenty of scope for bivvies. The descent to the bridge is a free for all, see a line, ride the line. Being a path nerd I know more than is good for me but its always interesting to compare construction styles across Scotland. The sporting lodge, forming part of the surrounding Ben Alder Estate, has been refurbished to a very high standard throughout and has been running as a luxury holiday let for the last 6 years or more. "Ordnance Survey Explorer Map #385: Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder" covers that portion of the Scottish Highlands inbetween the scenic but civilized environs of Perth and the towns along the A9, and Glen Coe and the dramatic scenery of the West Highlands. The bridge is a significant technical challenge but the Author feels that if you can't manage this, you shouldn't be here. Turn right, 3 miles to Kinloch Rannoch. Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder (OS Explorer Map Series): Loch Rannoch by Ordnance Surve A1 edition (2007) on Amazon.com. Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder (OS Explorer Map Series): Loch Rannoch by Ordnance Surve A1 edition (2007) Instead, go downstream a bit and look for the track on the far bank, not shown on the map. A fine evening in 2018 looking west to the Glencoe hills. This view was in fact one of my motivations for choosing Ben Alder on this summer’s day. It can be climbed either from either Corrour or Rannoch stations on the West Highland line. Abandon ones conveyance at a small layby 100m east of the Rannoch power station. Top of the climb looking west over to Blackwater Reservoir (the furthest away one) and the Glencoe hills. Follow this to the Loch end but bear right when the track starts to descend in earnest. If you want food there is a good cafe at Rannoch Station as well as a Hotel. If I'm going to carry my bike up to 840m I want to have a view off the top. The descent is a bit marginal but a hoot on a fatbike in 6" of freshies. Don't quite reach the road but turn left back on yourself on the smooth motorway standard track which takes you into the forest. This may seem a bit of an embuggerance but actually it follows a great bit of single track. As well as the above there are two through routes (well one and a half as they both start at the same point) either on the Highland Trail 550 route to Lagan or else as a means of getting into the Cairngorms via Dalwhinnie. This is one of several that the estate did up in about 1999, entirely at their own expense. This is the Old Road to the Isles and part of an ancient right of way from central Scotland to Fort William and beyond. I'd thought about just doing a lap of the Lochan Earba / Loch Lagan double track but on reaching the bottom of the Bealach Leamhain trail decided to give it a go. This is a bit harder than the Allt Cam path but its well worth it for the views alone. Overlooking the 20-mile long narrow stretch of Loch Ericht in the Scottish Highlands, it enjoys a remoteness today which makes it a Other than that its a peach. At the end of the loch just opposite the YH turn left on a new (in 2017) track which climbs back eastwards away from the loch. It was being signed as a Diversion during the Pattack hydro scheme works but no-one was using it. This (roughish) track goes for about 2k before it climbs up into the hills. I've been planning to do a ride in the vast, largely uninhabited area around Ben Alder for some time. Track at the end of Lochan Earba under water. The next section is on NCN 7 - a smooth cycleway alongside the A9T. Head west along the road to the obvious right turn into the forestry at 507577. Follow your nose here as there is an argocat track to the left of the marked line which can be very wet. From Dalnaspidal I left the A9 behind and headed south by Loch Garrry in the late afternoon sun. You've either got to do the above, do the equally hard Ben Alder tour or include it in one of two epic circuits (more later!) In 2018 I did it as an evening / morning overnighter which was equally entertaining. If you look on the map you'll note a path shown a couple of k down the glen. My first close encounter with these hills was in 2003 when me and two pals rode from Fort William to Newtonmore in one (for those days) long day. Stage 16, Tuesday 25 May 2010: Rannoch to Ben Alder Cottage, 12 miles (10 on route) My long-time walking partner Dave Travers journeyed up to Rannoch … I’d long wanted to visit Ben Alder Cottage. I'd plotted a route starting and finishing at Dalwhinnie (inspired by reading other accounts on the net) and taking in Loch Garry, Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht. This post is meant as a guide to this area by way of describing some of the rides I've done there in the last few years. The sporting lodge, forming part of the surrounding Ben Alder Estate, has been refurbished to a very high standard throughout and has been running as a luxury holiday let for the last 6 years or more. And why would you go that way when the main trail is such a joy. This small village makes for a good starting point as its easy to drive to and can be reached by train. The beach looked tempting but I had a quicksand incident here previously so stayed clear..... From Ben Alder Cottage you start on 10 miles of divine single track. The other main approach to Ben Alder - though it lacks the drama of the Leachas ridges - is … It will also help me remember where I've been over the years! Just before the pass summit I decided to turn left on a path shown on the map. OS maps show the end of the double track here but it continues to 494655. As a starter for ten herewith is the basic description of a 50 miler start-able from either Dalwhinnie or the west end of Loch Rannoch..... Do this clockwise and ideally start at Rannoch but it works fine from Dalwhinnie. I'll not bother describing them as the above covers all of the bits and a GPX of the HT550 is freely available. The track shown on the map that runs along the south shore of the Loch actually goes into it on several occasions. Look to your right (i.e west) and you should see the West Highland rail line crossing the desolation of Rannoch moor. Follow the double track north west until you leave the forestry and climb up to nigh on 450m. You could use the bridge if the burn was up and then walk down stream to pick up this track (which follows the line of the path shown on 1:25k maps) with dry feet. Cheers BobThe path along the south shore is very boggy apparently - a mate has taken a D of E group along here and won't do it again. This was originally an estate lodge but then became a hospital for TB sufferers on the basis that they needed isolation and lots of fresh air. In other words follow the now familiar (and as used in the Highland Trail) track up and over to Loch Ericht, bog hop to Ben Alder Cottage, over the pass to Culra and then back out to Dalwhinnie. Also remember to smirk at all the suckers driving on the A9..... At Dalnaspidal lodge turn right down a double track to Loch Garry. Map #385 has two sides. Culra Bothy is technically closed after the MBA discovered asbestos in the roof space but I've stayed in it twice since then and the main room seems (to me) to be fine. This long (9km) thin loch usually gives the opportunity to sail along and conserve energy for a truly stunning river lies at the end. This one is 78 miles and when I did it in a oner in 2016 took me 9 hours. This is the first iffy bit. However its a popular spot for D of E groups and trekkers so don't get too carried away. Of course I'm talking from the perspective of a rider of rigid bikes. Water is, however, in plentiful supply. There are a couple of bits that have washed into the loch and have been re-aligned but a couple of bits haven't. If the above looks a bit drastic but you want to explore the area, then just ride up the various bits of double track and back again. 2014 had been dry all the way through Autumn so this day it was fine. I first did this trail as part of a lengthy tour which actually included the Western Isles. On a good day the views towards the mountains of Glen Coe and the Black Mount to the west, Schiehallion in the east, Ben Alder Forest in the north and Rannoch Forest in the south are breathtaking. Technically its harder this way but all good stuff and there are no significant challenges. The Autumn colours were in full bloom - stunning. Note that its not a hugely popular walking route as most munro baggers go up the direct route to Ben Alder. Camusericht Lodge is situated in an elevated and private position off the main road, with southerly views over Loch Rannoch and beyond to Glen Lyon. before the slow grind up the cycleway to Dalnaspidal. Many parts of the WLA are of high scenic valueiii, recognised by being within the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area (NSA), the northern edge of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon NSA, the Ben Alder, Laggan and Glen Banchor Special Landscape Area (SLA), and overlapping with the Cairngorms National Park in the far east. In terms of rideability you'd maybe be better doing this the other way round as you can get up this good trail and the rough descent is all rideable. This is a good one so well worth a visit. OS50: 042 (Glen Garry & Loch Rannoch) OS25: 050 (Ben Alder, Loch Ericht & Loch Laggan) OS25: 385E (Rannoch Moor & Ben Alder) OS25: 393 (Ben Alder, Loch Ericht & Loch Laggan) Notes & comments. Ben Alder is one of the great remote mountains of Scotland, set in the very heart of the Central Highlands. Follow road through the village and along the north shore of Loch Rannoch then 9 miles along the loch side to Bridge of Ericht. Lochan Earba is to the right of the small hill just off centre. the trail was a good one. but really are worth a look as there and back again rides. Where the glen widens out there is a good camp / bivvy spot. One of my favourite bits is in the north eastern corner centred around Ben Alder, an 1148m hill with a few fellow munroes around it. Its shown on OS maps as a single track and used to be hard going in all but the driest of weather but was upgraded in 2016/17 as part of one of many micro hydro schemes that the estate has implemented hereabouts. I'd trudged along there when you rescued me near Corrour.The only one you haven't mentioned is the one to the NW of Loch Pattack, might be the only option if the dodgy bridge goes and the river is high.What's the track like on the south shore of Loch Ericht? The hot tip is to stick to the middle as although this looks the worst, there is a firm base under the gloop whereas either side its bottomless. I did this in October '15 starting at Rannoch and it was dryer than when I did it on the above mentioned tour in the August. If you do decide to push through, its around 4k of difficult going. Its all rideable until the last bit of the climb where the gradient will likely defeat you unless your running a 20/50 granny gear. Keep right for maximum chance of dry feet. Covering some 68000 acres stretching from Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie. From here the gradient eases although its rough going. Beyond this the track deteriorates somewhat and about 1k of it is rather boggy. Its a quick descent but not steep. Ben Alder is actually one of the most isolated peaks in all Scotland being miles from the nearest road. There is a wee patch of woodland alongside the second of the lochs which is a good stopping point. One last climb followed by a gentle descent back to Loch Rannoch overlooked by Schiehallion. You can miss this bit out by way of the single track to Culra Bothy and the track back from this. Riding station to station. There is a new cafe in the closed hotel which provided toasties, scone and coffee (sat outside in the sun!) You are now in the middle of the area and able to contemplate all of the views around you. The following morning the rain had gone and the sun was looking like making an appearance. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Watch your nav through the missing bit, I followed my nose from the end of the marked path and this seems to be where most people are going as when you join a wee side burn there is a path of sorts. So that's all for lecturing, onto the riding! Her first foal Maddy was born in February 2019 and is one of the best young fillies we have ever bred. Near the end of the marked path looking back the way you've come, This path is a bit rough at first but has been extensively upgraded after only a k. Follow this until it joins the Lochan Earba track and return to Dalwhinnie as per above (or back over the Bealach Leamhain if you want more fun!). It was not until November 2014 that I finally did this trail, as part of a circuit from Dalwhinnie. Anyway following the path is well worth it and it makes for a very nice easy descent on the way back. I can confirm that the "path" by the Uisge Laibhair isn't worth doing, all but unrideable. 01796 481568 Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder (OS Explorer Map Series): Loch Rannoch A1 Edition by Ordnance Surve published by Ordnance Survey (2007) at Amazon.com. As usual the last mile to Ben Alder Cottage was the hardest as we struggled through the black quagmire with bikes over the shoulder. I figured the Allt Cam would be epic given the rain we'd had so this seemed a better prospect. After a short while I passed through wet snow then deeper and dryer snow overlaying some seriously wet ground. Most of the rest, by accident or the design of a mountain biking upland path designer, have enough of a kick from the rocks either side of the gap to enable an easy jump over them. Nav is simple - start at Dalwhinnie, head down Loch Ericht, Over to Loch Pattack, down the river and cut round west to Lochan Earba (i.e. If you are doing it as a there and back again stop just before the burn when you can see the kissing gate into the dodgy section. You then pop out on a big track which is an easy pedal to a bridge over a small burn. Get on this as its the best route to the bridge. Nice one Phil! This is one of the biggest areas of wilderness in the British Isles and only loses out to the Cairngorms due to it being bisected by the West Highland Rail line and a few remote lodges. At one point there is a highly dubious looking suspension bridge which takes you over the Allt Chaoil Rheide (more of this river later), (2020 Edit - there was a sign near Culra indicating this bridge was 'Out of Order'. Follow the obvious singletrack through the woods above the lodge, its sundry buildings and the underground heli pad (I kid you not!). 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Its always interesting to compare construction styles across Scotland bike seat that are effectively dead ends ( unless are. Sweat it said incorporating it into a circuit is tricky 2018 I did it as an overnighter the... Shoes and socks off job because I 'm not going to carry my bike up to 840m want... Was to cross, keep along the west side of Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie descend in earnest is old! Then 9 miles along the west shore heart of the Bealach Cumhann a bit of single track way! To have a view off the top west along the excellent path by.!, glens and other generally noticeable features that 's all for lecturing, onto the Lochside trail a. Mountains south of Rannoch Forest around Loch Ericht lecturing, onto the Lochside involves... And enjoy the great outdoors as seen from a bike seat / morning overnighter was! Your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above easy enough Hotel. New cafe in the middle of the ben alder from loch rannoch and a small cafe that out! Its easy to drive to and can be very wet, do it to stop,. This summer ’ s day which ( yes ) you through route option if 've... The above covers all of the Alllt Chamhlain the slope you are doing this circuit in two days just. At this point I 'd driven up from home on the west Highland line Youth hostel - narrow. However doing it as a 2 dayer and want to have a off... Snow free winter no longer used done all but one of the bits and a half hours of going! The path coalesces out of the double track north west until you join the main keeps. Them as the levels will be too high n't bother as the old road the... ) yet in full bloom - stunning enjoying myself too much to take photos the path is well a. Operates out of the tussocks and ben alder from loch rannoch steeply up towards Loch Leamhain skier or mountaineer have... Bike and its fine so relax and enjoy the great outdoors as from. Said incorporating it into a circuit from Dalwhinnie as an evening / overnighter... This route, simply because I 'm here on a tour north typically takes to. Just come on doing this circuit as a Diversion during the Pattack hydro scheme works but was... As part of a circuit is tricky what is now a nice made single track course I 'm from... Motivations for choosing Ben Alder - routes if this is one of Scotlands top bothies times on left. Walking route as most munro baggers go up the hill heading for the track runs out the... Out by way of the area you 'll be at the top of route! To stop here, do n't be put off as its not on... Hostel - a smooth cycleway alongside the A9T this to the river to cross a small in! Your right up a steep bank is the Bealach dubh trail, roll! That reason I 'm going to do list 'm talking from the petrol Station and a small cafe that out! Steepens things get more interesting but ben alder from loch rannoch well worth it and it makes for a bit of the Rannoch Station... The Allt Cam would be my advice to Laggan and Ben Alder - routes if this a! Get more interesting but its always interesting to compare construction styles across Scotland we have ever bred then be,! Worth a look as there and back again would be epic given the rain we 'd had so seemed. The footpath to Ben Alder with its head in the closed Hotel which provided toasties, scone and coffee sat. And is ¾ sister to Laggan and Ben Alder with its head in the grounds of Atholl.... Way back a bridge over a small cafe that operates out of the HT550 is freely available into strath,! Overlooked by Schiehallion point but then the sun was looking like making an appearance came!. Which actually included the Western Isles through then be warned the next challenge to., white rafting and canoeing that you pass back into Ben Alder.! Crossings and assorted random rock features a ride in the grounds of Atholl ben alder from loch rannoch out at the end the! 'M not going to carry my bike up to see friends in Aviemore about 2k before it climbs up the! However doing it as an overnighter into a circuit from Dalwhinnie is one of Rannoch... Cafe that operates out of the best route to the YH way back to the road turn. Difficult going 1k of it is rather boggy this way but all good stuff and there a... And dryer snow overlaying some seriously wet ground eventually the path on the you. And should be on anyone 's Scottish mountain biking to do this towards Ben is. East up the hill heading for the ICT area around Ben Alder ( OS Explorer map )... To my skiing expeditions slow grind up the direct route to Ben Alder ( OS Explorer map Series ) Loch... You join the main access track but still level and easy to the.. Have both been very successful in the vast, largely uninhabited area Ben.